Article stabilizing system and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

An article stabilizing system adapted to stabilize an article relative to a substrate upon which it is disposed. The stabilizing system generally includes a substrate engaging means capable of increasing the coefficient of friction between the article and its substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the engaging means comprises a plurality of droplets displaying an intermediate adhesive profile that permits both association of the article with its substrate for stability, and facile removability of the article from the substrate.

The present application claims priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/294,059, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an article stabilizing system and uses thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stabilizing system generally comprising a substrate engaging means, which engaging means is adapted to be associated with a bottom surface of an article and to engage a substrate upon which the article is disposed for increasing the stability of the article relative to the substrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A panoply of articles exist that are movable, generally positionable atop a substrate, and which serve a variety of purposes. For example, an article commonly known as a shelf liner is a generally planar article positionable atop a shelf or similar item, and which operates to generally increase the aesthetic appeal of the shelf. In use, a user disposes the shelf liner atop a shelf and then positions items atop the shelf liner, such as pantry items, decorative items, and the like. Because of the typically planar configuration of both the shelf and the shelf liner, however, the shelf liner is disposed in a generally unstabilized manner, thereby being prone to inadvertent and undesirable movement.

By way of additional article example, articles that provide a dancing surface (e.g., dance mats) are prone to similar complications. As known, dance mats are generally planar articles adapted to be disposed on a floor or similar substrate and provide a surface on which individuals dance or perform a similar recreational activity. As also known, such dance mats are also generally unstable and are prone to inadvertent movement, especially when individuals are dancing thereon. Such instability can lead to frustrated use, other complications and/or personal injury.

A plurality of systems are known for increasing the stability of an article relative to a substrate upon which it is disposed. One of the most commonly employed approaches utilizes a permanent means, such as a mechanical fastener, an aggressive adhesive, and the like, to form a permanent association between the article and its substrate. However, as known, such approach renders removal of the article from its substrate difficult, if not impossible. Further, even if such removal is possible, substantial damage typically occurs to both the article and the substrate as a result of breaking the permanent association.

Thus, what is needed is a system that stabilizes an article relative to a substrate upon which it is disposed. Even more preferably, what is needed is a non-permanent system that stabilizes an article relative to a substrate upon which it is disposed, and which easy permits separation of the article from the substrate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides an article with improved stability against slipping, the article comprising:

a body having a bottom surface; and

an anti-slip system provided on the bottom surface of the body, the anti-slip system comprising plurality of spaced apart contact structures each consisting essentially of an anti-slip composition firmly adhered to the bottom surface, the anti-slip composition being configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the body and a contact surface upon which the article is disposed yet provide substantially no increase in peel force required for removing the body from the article.

Another aspect of the invention provides a combination comprising:

(i) a contact surface;

(ii) an article with improved stability against slipping, the article comprising:

a body having a bottom surface;

an anti-slip system provided on the bottom surface of the body, the anti-slip system comprising plurality of spaced apart contact structures each consisting essentially of an anti-slip composition firmly adhered to the bottom surface, the anti-slip composition being configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the body and a contact surface upon which the article is disposed yet provide substantially no increase in peel force required for removing the body from the article; and

(iii) an item;

wherein the article is placed on the contact surface with the bottom surface and the anti-slip system engaging the contact surface, and a top surface of the article facing upwardly, and wherein the item is placed on the top surface of the article so that the article inhibits slippage of the item relative to the contact surface.

A method for inhibiting slippage of an item on a contact surface using an article, the article comprising:

a body having a bottom surface; and

an anti-slip system provided on the bottom surface of the body, the anti-slip system comprising plurality of spaced apart contact structures each consisting essentially of an anti-slip composition firmly adhered to the bottom surface, the anti-slip composition being configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the body and a contact surface upon which the article is disposed yet provide substantially no increase in peel force required for removing the body from the article;

wherein the method comprises:

placing the article on the contact surface with the bottom surface and the anti-slip system engaging the contact surface, and a top surface of the article facing upwardly, and

placing the item on the top surface of the article so that the article inhibits slippage of the item relative to the contact surface.

Other objects, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features and a more thorough understanding of the present invention may be achieved by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example article stabilizing system according to the present invention, wherein the system is associated with a bottom surface of a mat-like article;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the example article stabilizing system and article of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternate example article stabilizing system according to the present invention, wherein the system is associated with a bottom surface of a mat-like article.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed according to the present invention is an article stabilizing system and various uses thereof. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the article stabilizing system is adapted to be associated with a bottom surface of an article and provide an interface between the article and a substrate (i.e., a contact surface) upon which the article is disposed. This interface tends to stabilize the article against inadvertent movement sliding relative to the substrate. Even more preferably, the article stabilizing system is configured to permit repeated engagement and disengagement of the article with the substrate, thereby enabling engagement of the article with repeated substrates without adversely effecting its performance.

In a preferred and example embodiment, the article stabilizing system is particularly configured to be associated with a generally planar article, such as a shelf liner, a drawer liner, a dance mat, and the other such flexible substrates. With particular reference to the shelf liner embodiment, the stabilizing system is preferably associable with a bottom surface of the shelf liner to thereby provide the shelf liner with an increased degree of stability when disposed atop a shelf. For example, a shelf liner incorporating the system of the present invention and suitably disposed atop a shelf will preferably resist inadvertent movement when items are positioned onto and removed from the shelf liner.

With reference to the dance mat embodiment, the stabilizing system is preferably associable with a bottom surface of the dance mat to configure the dance mat to stably remain on a substrate while individuals dance or perform other recreational activity thereon. More specifically, the system preferably causes the dance mat to securely engage with the substrate (e.g., floor) so that the mat resists sliding or slipping movement during use thereof, thereby reducing the likelihood of personal injury. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, because of the nature of the system, the dance mat or similar article having the system associated therewith, may suitably be removed from the substrate and repeatedly repositioned as desired. This is beneficial over other approaches, such as mechanical fixing or highly tacky adhesives.

As will also be more fully explained hereinafter, the article stabilizing system of the present invention generally includes and/or is constituted by a substrate engaging means adapted to be disposed on a bottom surface of an article to be stabilized. The substrate engaging means is preferably provided as any suitable item and/or material that is affixed to the bottom surface of the article and removably engages the substrate upon which the article is disposed. More particularly, the substrate engaging means is suitably capable of generally increasing the coefficient of friction between the article and the substrate so that movement of the article relative to the substrate is generally impeded, thereby increasing the stability of the article in response to applications of force and/or pressure thereon.

With further reference to a general discussion of the substrate engaging means, the engaging means is preferably adapted to releasably engage a substrate (i.e., a contact surface, such as a drawer bottom or a shelf for a shelf liner, or a floor for a dance mat). More particularly, the substrate engaging means is preferably configured to display an intermediate level of substrate associability. Such intermediate level of substrate associability suitably enables the article to engage its substrate with a high degree of stability, while concurrently permitting facile removal of the article from the substrate. Facile removal of the article suitably decreases the likelihood of damage to either the article or the substrate upon removal of the article from the substrate.

By way of additional background discussion, the substrate engaging means is preferably also configured to be washable by routine and conventional means without impairing the ability of the engaging means to engage a substrate. As evident from the previous discussion, the engaging means, due to its positioning on a substrate, such as a floor, may become soiled and/or generally dirty after use. Accordingly, the ability of the engaging means to be washed contributes to increasing the longevity of an article to which it is associated.

The substrate engaging means is preferably configured to be associated with any of a plurality of articles and to engage any of a plurality of substrates. Example articles include, but are not limited to, shelf liners, dance mats, tabletop place mats, carpets, rugs, dinnerware (e.g., plates, bowls, drinking glasses, etc.), tabletop displays, electronic equipment, chairs, tables, and any other article that may benefit from increased stability when disposed on a substrate. Example substrates include, but are not limited to, shelves, wood flooring, carpeted flooring, tiled flooring, laminate-covered flooring, concrete flooring, stairs, regardless of any covering thereon, tabletops, general walking surfaces, general article support surfaces, and the like.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2 and an example embodiment of the article stabilizing system 100 of the present invention, the system 100 preferably includes an article 102 and a substrate engaging means 106 associated therewith. The article 102 may be provided as any article that would benefit from increased stability, such as those articles discussed supra, especially articles 102 featuring a bottom surface 104 that is generally planar.

The substrate engaging means 106 is preferably disposed on the article 102 bottom surface 104 in a manner that generally maximizes the interaction and/or interface between the substrate engaging means 106 and the article 102. Before a discussion of the substrate engaging means 106 and various examples and embodiments thereof is undertaken, it is to be appreciated that the discussion provided herein is by way of example only and that the present invention is not to be construed as so limited, and that the invention is directed to the general concept of any substrate engaging means capable of being associated with a bottom surface of an article and increasing the stability of the article relative to a substrate upon which it is disposed.

Turning now to a more specific discussion of the substrate engaging means 106, the engaging means 106 preferably comprises a plurality of droplets 108 that are arranged in a particular manner on the article 102 bottom surface 104. In a preferred embodiment, and as will be more fully described hereinafter, the droplets 108 are fashioned from a material displaying adhesive properties. Even more preferably, the adhesive properties of the droplets 108 preferably provide the intermediate level of adhesion as previously described.

Turning now to a discussion of the arrangement and configuration of the engaging means 106 droplets 108, the droplets 108 are each preferably provided in a substantially hemispherical configuration and, collectively, in an ordered manner on the bottom surface 104 of the article 102. The preferred substantially hemispherical configuration of the droplets 108 generally results from the manufacturing process used to dispose the system 100 on the article 102, as readily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The individual droplets 108 of the engaging means 106 may be provided in any appropriate size and/or dimensions, with regard given to the increased stability aims of the present invention. The droplets 108 are preferably provided with a diameter of approximately 1 mm (millimeter) to approximately 5 mm, even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, most preferably approximately 1 mm. Given the preferred substantial hemispherical configuration of the individual droplets 108, it is to be appreciated that the diametric dimensions represent an approximate width of the droplets 108 (as measured along a plane generally coplanar with the surface of the article 102 on which the system 100 is disposed). Further, approximate height measurements of the individual droplets 108 may suitably be obtained by reducing the diametric dimensions by approximately 50%. However, as known, various manufacturing techniques used to apply the engaging means 106 to an article 102 may result in significant size variation among individual droplets 108. Accordingly, it is to be understood that dimensional information provided herein is by way of example only and should be not construed as a limitation on the present invention.

Despite the foregoing discussion of the preferred droplet 108 hemispherical configuration, it is to be appreciated that individual droplets 108 may be provided in any suitable configuration. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate and also preferred droplet 108 configuration whereby the individual droplets 108 are generally hemi-donut-like in overall configuration. More specifically, the individual droplets 108 may suitably be configured as generally annular members, each having an outer circumference, an inner circumference, and a rounded surface generally extending between the inner and outer circumferences. In other words, the shape generally mirrors that of a section of a donut taken along parallel to a diametric plane thereof. Such hemi-donut-like droplet 108 configuration may provide additional substrate engagement properties, such as a suction-cup like engagement that increases the stability provided by the system 100 of the present invention.

A plurality of additional alternate droplet 108 configurations are contemplated and may be suitable for increasing the stability of an article 102. For example, the engaging means 106 may suitably comprise a plurality of elongate strips of adhesive (not shown), each of which strips are preferably constituted by a material generally similar to the material used for construction of the droplets 108. The strips may suitably be arranged in a plural and row-like configuration (e.g., overall generally striped), a plural and column-like configuration, and/or a plural row and column-like configuration, thereby defining a matrix-like grid. Additionally, the strips may suitably be linear, arcuate, zig-zag or any other suitable configuration. Furthermore, the engaging means 106 may suitably be constituted by a plurality of different droplet 108 configurations, including any of the aforementioned configurations, or various combinations thereof.

The individual droplets 108 may be arranged on the article 102 in any suitable configuration that furthers and/or accomplishes the stability aims of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred droplet 108 configuration by which the droplets 108 are arranged in a matrix-like, generally ordered and dotted array on the article 102. Even more specifically, the droplets 108 are preferably arranged seriatim along linear columns 110 and rows 112, which configuration suitably disposes the individual droplets 108 approximately equidistant from each other. Such preferred equidistant spacing of the droplets 108 is suitably accomplished by spacing the rows 112 a generally consistent and equal distance from each other, and by also spacing the columns 110 generally a consistent and equal distance from each other. Even more preferably, the distance separating each row 112 is preferably substantially the same distance separating each column 110. Preferably, this distance also defines the distance separating individual droplets 108 from each other, and suitably is configured as a distance of approximately 0.5 mm to 100 mm, preferably approximately 1 mm to 50 mm, even more preferably approximately 1.5 mm to 25 mm, most preferably approximately 3 mm.

The droplets 108 need not necessarily be arranged in an orderly manner, and may suitably be stochastically disposed in the engaging means 106. In such stochastic embodiment, the droplets 108 are preferably arranged in a dotted and punctuated manner, and suitably are present in any of the individual droplet 104 dimensions described above, and in any suitable density (i.e., a quantity of droplets 104 present in a particular area). Suitable densities include, with reference to one hundred square millimeters (100 mm²), by way of non-limiting example, approximately 2 to 50 droplets, more preferably approximately 6 to 40 droplets, even more preferably approximately 10 to 20 droplets, most preferably approximately 15 droplets.

It is to be appreciated that the exact and particular configuration of the droplets 108 on the article 102 may be modified as desired and that the present invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular example embodiments described herein. As evident from the above descriptions, the stabilizing properties of the system 100 are generally accomplished by the droplets 108 being discontinuously disposed on the article 102. In other words, the system 100 is preferably constituted by a plurality of individual droplets 108, rather than a continuous sheet of adhesive-like material disposed on the article 102. The punctuated and discontinuous presence of the droplets 108 on the article along with the degree of adhesive properties of the droplets 108 cooperate to provide the relatively intermediate overall adhesive properties of the system 100 that causes both article 102 removability and stability.

Turning now to a discussion of the material and/or composition of the droplets 108, and as previously mentioned, the droplets 104 are preferably fashioned from a material and/or composition suitably displaying adhesive properties, even more preferably an intermediate level of adhesive properties. It is initially to be appreciated that any suitable adhesive and/or material displaying adhesive characteristics may be employed for manufacture of the droplets 108 according to the present invention. However, various preferred embodiments will be discussed hereinafter.

In connection with a preferred embodiment, the droplets 108 or other suitably configured component of the engaging means 106 are manufactured from an adhesive composition generally including water, a copolymer, and, optionally, additional components. Water is preferably present in the composition, as a percentage by weight, approximately 10-90%, more preferably 20-80%, even more preferably 30-70%, most preferably approximately 38-48%. It is to be appreciated that water is an optional component of the composition and may suitably be replaced by or present in combination with one or more of rubber, acrylic, or similar chemical. The copolymer, if optionally present, is preferably present in the composition, as a percentage by weight, approximately 40-80%, more preferably 45-75%, even more preferably 50-70%, most preferably approximately 52-62%. Suitable copolymers include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl acetate or similar chemicals which are regarded as the main part of the composition to maintain the adhesion. The composition may suitably also include diisocyanate diphenylmethane in an amount, as a percentage by weight, of approximately 0.5-10%, more preferably 1.0-8%, even more preferably 2-6%, most preferably approximately 4%. Regardless of the composition employed for the droplets 108 or similar feature, the engaging means 106 preferably meets EN71 safety requirements.

The composition of the droplets 108 and the particular arrangement of the droplets 108 may suitably cooperate to provide the relatively intermediate adhesive profile. In one aspect, the adhesive effect of the engaging means 106 may be alterable by manipulation of the arrangement and/or density of the droplets 106, in manners readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Any suitable manufacturing technique may be employed for disposing the substrate engaging means 106 on the article 102. Preferred and exemplary techniques include, but are not limited to, silk screening, embossed roller coating, and the like.

EXAMPLE

To illustrate and measure the low peel force that achieved by the present invention, an example will be described along with the method of measuring the peel force.

Materials with low adhesion cannot be verified by PSTC 1, so a larger surface area was used and the total force of unit area was measured. The test was conducted at room temperature (23 C±2) and a humidity of 70±15% RH. The sample was placed exposed to these conditions for 12 hours.

For equipment, the following were used: a pull gauge(V=30±1 cm/min), a press wheel device (W=2 kgs, V=30±1 cm/min), a 304# mirror steel plate 1.97″×5.9|, a 1″×30 cm steel rule, a T-shape plastic member with chain attachment, and another T-shape plastic member without chain attachment.

For a test sample, three 1.6″×5″ swatches were used (each having an area of 8 square inches).

First, the standard test steel plate surface was cleaned by solvents, such as toluene or dirt-remove oil, to remove dirt or debris and then air-dry it. This is done between each test to ensure no residue is collected. Each test swatch is placed flat on the top of steel plate, without any air bubbles or wrinkles. The steel plate with test swatches is then placed on the press wheel device and pressed for a cycle( back and forth), and then put them aside for 15 minutes.

A piece of double-side tape is stuck onto the surface of each T-shape plastic member. The T-shape plastic member with the chain attachment is attached to the upper collet of Pull gauge, and the other T-shape plastic member without the chain attachment is attached to the lower collet of Pull gauge.

The steel plate with the test swatch is placed on the double-sided tape on the lower T-shape plastic member with the swatch on its upper surface. The T-shape plastic member with the chain attachment is engaged by its double-sided adhesive tape to the test swatch, but care is taken to ensure that the double-side tapes on two T-shape plastic sheets do not contact each other, as that will effect test value. The chain is loose at this time.

The pull gauge is then made ready for testing. The gauge raises the upper collet to pull the swatch from the steel plate, and the maximum force required is measured. This is repeated two more times (for a total of three times, once for each swatch). And all the values are averaged, which is the adhesion value.

After testing 13 swatches (seven after waiting one hour, and six after waiting two hours), the tested adhesion values were as follows: Time S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 Avg 1 hr 22.8 26.6 22 16.4 23.9 26.3 33.3 24.47 2 hr 31.5 32.8 27.1 24.8 21.6 16.3 XX 25.68

According to the above values, the adhesion range is 16.3-33.3 g/in², the average is about 25 g/in². The adhesive force measured does not include the T-shape weight. The testing shows that after 1 hour or 2 hours the difference in adhesion is insubstantial.

A test was also performed on a larger swatch, 11.62 sq. in. Fifteen tests were conducted, eight for one hour each, and seven for two hours each. The result are below: Time S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 Avg 1 hr 19.6 15.1 22.3 22.3 27.7 27.5 28.1 21.6 23.03 2 hr 24.4 28.9 25 21.3 23.7 22.3 22.5 XX 24.15

It can be seen that the adhesion is low and stable on a larger size.

As to coefficient of friction, the preferred range for coefficient friction is 1.3-2.6. Using samples, the coefficient of fiction was measured by affixing a sample to the bottom of a weighted wooden pull sled, and pulling the sled along a horizontal Plexiglass® surface using a pull gauge. The peak force will be measured at the moment where the sled begins to move, and this is the force that is important as it dictates the amount of force required to cause slippage of the anti-slip material. The coefficient of friction is derived by dividing that peak force over the weight force of the weighted wooden sled. The preferred range is 1.3-2.6 as measured in accordance with this test, but other values are within the scope of the invention.

It is to be appreciated that certain modifications may be made to the article stabilizing system 100, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the engaging means 106 may suitably be disposed on both sides of an article. By way of additional example, the system 100 may suitably also include a release sheet disposed over and/or generally associated with the engaging means 106 so as to enable the system 100 to be loosely rolled about itself

The article stabilizing system 100 and substrate engaging means 106 of the present invention provide significant article stabilizing benefits relative to conventional approaches. In one aspect, the relatively low size profile of the engaging means 106 suitably disposes it to be associated with a substantially wide range of articles, thereby providing for increased stability of the same when situated on a substrate. In another aspect, the engaging means 106 provides a high degree of article 102 stability, while permitting facile removal of the article 102 relative to its substrate. In yet another aspect, the engaging means 106 is preferably constructed of a material that permits repeated washing, dusting and/or general cleaning thereof, so that, upon repeated article 102 removals, the system 100 may retain an aesthetically appealing appearance.

Although the invention has been described with regard to certain preferred example embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only, and that improvements, changes and modifications in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An article with improved stability against slipping, the article comprising: a body having a bottom surface; an anti-slip system provided on the bottom surface of the body, the anti-slip system comprising plurality of spaced apart contact structures each consisting essentially of an anti-slip composition firmly adhered to the bottom surface, the anti-slip composition being configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the body and a contact surface upon which the article is disposed yet provide substantially no increase in peel force required for removing the body from the article.
 2. An article according to claim 1, wherein the contact structures are droplets of the anti-slip composition.
 3. An article according to claim 2, wherein the droplets are substantially hemispherical in shape.
 4. An article according to claim 2, wherein the droplets are substantially arcuate with a rounded face in shape.
 5. An article according to claim 3, wherein the droplets are approximately 0.5 millimeter to approximately 5.0 millimeter in diameter.
 6. An article according to claim 5, wherein the droplets are approximately 0.5 to approximately 1.0 millimeters in diameter.
 7. An article according to claim 5, wherein the droplets are arranged in a substantially uniform matrix of rows and columns.
 8. An article according to claim 7, wherein the droplets are spaced substantially equidistant from each other.
 9. An article according to claim 5, wherein the droplets are present in a density of approximately 2 droplets per 100 square millimeters to approximately 50 droplets per 100 square millimeters.
 10. An article according to claim 9, wherein the droplets are present in a density of approximately 15 droplets per 10 square millimeters.
 11. An article according to claim 5, wherein the droplets comprise water and a copolymer.
 12. An article according to claim 11, wherein the copolymer comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.
 13. An article according to claim 12, wherein the droplets further comprise diisocyanate diphenylmethane.
 14. An article according to claim 11, wherein the percentage of water by weight is approximately 38-48%.
 15. An article according to claim 11, wherein the percentage of copolymer by weight is approximately 52-62%.
 16. An article according to claim 11, wherein the percentage of water by weight is approximately 38-48%, and wherein the percentage of copolymer by weight is approximately 52-62%.
 17. In combination: (i) a contact surface; (ii) an article with improved stability against slipping, the article comprising: a body having a bottom surface; an anti-slip system provided on the bottom surface of the body, the anti-slip system comprising plurality of spaced apart contact structures each consisting essentially of an anti-slip composition firmly adhered to the bottom surface, the anti-slip composition being configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the body and a contact surface upon which the article is disposed yet provide substantially no increase in peel force required for removing the body from the article; and (iii) an item; wherein the article is placed on the contact surface with the bottom surface and the anti-slip system engaging the contact surface, and a top surface of the article facing upwardly, and wherein the item is placed on the top surface of the article so that the article inhibits slippage of the item relative to the contact surface.
 18. A combination according to claim 17, wherein the contact structures are droplets of the anti-slip composition.
 19. A combination according to claim 18, wherein the droplets are substantially hemispherical in shape.
 20. A combination according to claim 18, wherein the droplets are substantially arcuate with a rounded face in shape.
 21. A combination according to claim 19, wherein the droplets are approximately 0.1 millimeter to approximately 5.0 millimeter in diameter.
 22. A combination according to claim 21, wherein the droplets are approximately 1.0 millimeter in diameter.
 23. A combination according to claim 21, wherein the droplets are arranged in a substantially uniform matrix of rows and columns.
 24. A combination according to claim 23, wherein the droplets are spaced substantially equidistant from each other.
 25. A combination according to claim 21, wherein the droplets are present in a density of approximately 2 droplets per 10 square millimeters to approximately 50 droplets per 10 square millimeters.
 26. A combination according to claim 25, wherein the droplets are present in a density of approximately 15 droplets per 10 square millimeters.
 27. A combination according to claim 21, wherein the droplets comprise water and a copolymer.
 28. A combination according to claim 27, wherein the copolymer comprises ethylene vinyl acetate.
 29. A combination according to claim 28, wherein the droplets further comprise diisocyanate diphenylmethane.
 30. A combination according to claim 27, wherein the percentage of water by weight is approximately 38-48%.
 31. A combination according to claim 27, wherein the percentage of copolymer by weight is approximately 52-62%.
 32. A combination according to claim 27, wherein the percentage of water by weight is approximately 38-48%, and wherein the percentage of copolymer by weight is approximately 52-62%.
 33. A method for inhibiting slippage of an item on a contact surface using an article, the article comprising: a body having a bottom surface; and an anti-slip system provided on the bottom surface of the body, the anti-slip system comprising plurality of spaced apart contact structures each consisting essentially of an anti-slip composition firmly adhered to the bottom surface, the anti-slip composition being configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the bottom surface of the body and a contact surface upon which the article is disposed yet provide substantially no increase in peel force required for removing the body from the article; wherein the method comprises: placing the article on the contact surface with the bottom surface and the anti-slip system engaging the contact surface, and a top surface of the article facing upwardly, and placing the item on the top surface of the article so that the article inhibits slippage of the item relative to the contact surface. 